Gutierrez, 10, hailed for NY chess blitz feat

By Eva Visperas, The Philippine Star

LINGAYEN, Pangasinan , Philippines – The provincial board lauded Dennis Gutierrez III for topping the 20th Annual New York State Open Blitz Chess Championship in Tiki Resort, Lake George, New York last month.

Gutierrez III, a 10-year-old Grade 5 pupil of West Central School in San Fabian and resident of Barangay Nibaliw, bested his rivals and posted seven wins in the eight-round tournament to capture the crown.

He will also receive P15,000 financial incentive from the provincial board based on the approved resolution sponsored by fourth district Board Member Liberato Villegas.

“To be champion in a world-class competition like this needs a lot of sacrifice, determination, preparation and hard work that acknowledgement is deemed necessary to encourage others top engage in a similar activity,” the resolution said.

“By winning the 20th Annual New York State Open Blitz Championship, Dennis Gutierrez III has once again brought national and international honor for Pangasinan and that our flag was again raised in a foreign land,” Villegas said.